In a harrowing tale of survival that has gripped a Missouri community, 13-year-old Dakota “Cody” Trenkle Jr. is enduring severe health complications after spending three days at the bottom of a 240-foot ravine following a skateboarding mishap, as the New York Post reports.

This heartbreaking story began when Cody, who was missing since July 27, survived extreme conditions only to face liver issues and brain injuries during his recovery in a St. Louis hospital.

On July 27, Cody vanished while skateboarding near his grandmother’s home in Goose Creek Lake, an unincorporated area about an hour from St. Louis. His family, including his parents Stephanie Neely and Jared, both corrections officers from Potosi, grew frantic as hours turned into days. They have two other sons, Steven, 11, and Parker, 6, who were also deeply affected by his disappearance.

Desperate search in dangerous terrain

After Cody went missing, his younger brother Steven found his skateboard roughly half a mile from their family’s home, providing a crucial clue. Family-organized search parties, aided by Neely’s sister’s volunteer fire department and fellow corrections officers, scoured the area relentlessly. Their efforts paid off when a K-9 unit discovered Cody, barely alive, at the base of a steep ravine after three and a half days.

The conditions Cody endured were brutal, with dangerous heat warnings in effect during his time in the ravine. Miraculously, he landed under thick brush that offered shade from the scorching sun. He was also lying in five inches of water, which likely helped regulate his body temperature and provided minimal hydration despite severe dehydration upon rescue.

Stephanie Neely recalled the overwhelming relief of his discovery, saying, “I heard my sister go over the radio saying, ‘We found him, we found him. He’s alive.’” She added, “I broke down in the middle of the street, bawling hysterically, just trying to make my way down to where they had found him.”

Incredible rescue, initial recovery

Once found, Cody was airlifted to a hospital in St. Louis for emergency treatment. He was placed in a medically induced coma and on a ventilator for nearly two weeks, spending 11 days unconscious. His mother, Stephanie, kept a constant vigil by his bedside during this critical period.

After waking from the coma, Cody’s recovery initially seemed promising, with plans to transfer him to a rehabilitation facility. He even spent his first full day off sedation recently, managing to walk downstairs with assistance. Stephanie shared, “He spent his first full day off sedation, and we got to go downstairs to walk.”

However, hope quickly turned to concern as new health issues emerged. On Aug. 14, Stephanie revealed that Cody is now battling serious liver complications. “We learned today that his liver is not doing great. His enzymes are super high, and they’re concerned,” she said.

Unexpected setbacks in healing process

These liver problems have delayed Cody’s transfer to rehab and extended his stay in the ICU for further testing. Stephanie expressed her worry, stating, “The plan was for the other hospital to pick him up today, but now everything with his liver has me pretty concerned again.” She also mentioned the possibility of surgery, adding, “He may need surgery.”

Beyond physical ailments, Cody faces challenges with brain injuries, including delayed speech patterns and short-term memory loss. “He’s still not talking like Cody would talk. He’s still not fully back to himself,” Stephanie noted.

Stephanie remains cautiously hopeful despite the setbacks, acknowledging the long journey ahead. “I believe that it’s going to be a long road of recovery with therapies,” she said. She also believes that with extensive inpatient and outpatient physical and occupational therapy, Cody can regain much of his normalcy.

Lessons to learn

This tragic incident offers vital lessons for families and communities, though we must always remember that crime or accidents can strike anyone, and victims should never be blamed. Taking precautions can help, but they are not foolproof. Here are some key takeaways to consider for safety:

1. Always inform someone of your whereabouts, especially when engaging in activities like skateboarding in remote or unfamiliar areas, as Cody’s family had no initial idea where he had gone.

2. Equip children with safety gear and communication tools, such as a whistle or a charged phone if possible, to call for help in emergencies, which could have potentially shortened Cody’s time in the ravine.

3. Organize community or family safety plans for quick response to missing persons, much like the search parties that ultimately saved Cody’s life.

These steps can mitigate risks, but they cannot eliminate them. We must approach such incidents with empathy, understanding that unforeseen circumstances can overwhelm even the most prepared individuals. Cody’s story is a reminder to stay vigilant while supporting those who suffer such ordeals without judgment.

Why this story matters

Cody’s ordeal resonates deeply within the Goose Creek Lake community and beyond, highlighting the fragility of life and the strength of familial bonds. It underscores the importance of community support in times of crisis, as seen in the tireless efforts of volunteers and family who refused to give up on finding him. This story also brings attention to the need for awareness about the dangers lurking in seemingly safe recreational activities, urging parents and teens to prioritize safety.

As Cody continues his fight for recovery, his family’s resilience and the community’s unity stand as powerful testaments to hope amid tragedy. Stephanie’s words echo this sentiment: “We’re just taking it day by day and hoping that he keeps making small progress in the right direction.”